By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono is at the centre of a police investigation following a tragic on-pitch collision that claimed the life of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. Although criminal proceedings are considered unlikely, the goalkeeper could face a lengthy football suspension of up to 12 matches.
Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel after a devastating collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish Segunda División encounter.
The 30-year-old striker died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after suffering a serious medical emergency following the collision during Monday’s match at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The incident happened during the closing stages of the encounter when Owono rushed out of his goal to challenge for a long ball. In an attempt to clear the ball, the goalkeeper’s raised knee struck De Miguel in the chest area, leaving the Tenerife forward motionless on the pitch.
The referee immediately stopped play as players from both teams rushed to seek medical assistance. De Miguel received emergency treatment on the pitch before being transported to hospital by ambulance.
According to reports, the striker suffered a cardiac arrest during the emergency response and was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital.
Despite efforts by medical professionals to save his life, De Miguel died on Tuesday morning, November 3, at the age of 30.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves across Spanish football, with clubs, players, supporters and football organisations expressing their condolences to his family and the entire Tenerife football community.
Jesús Owono Sent Off Following Fatal Collision.
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono was shown a straight red card following the incident.
According to the referee’s match report, the goalkeeper struck an opponent with his raised leg while using excessive force during a challenge for the ball.
The dismissal came after the referee assessed the nature of the collision, which eventually led to the abandonment of the match as medical personnel attended to the injured striker.
Owono has reportedly maintained that he had no intention of causing harm during the challenge.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper is said to be deeply affected by the incident, which has placed him under intense public scrutiny.
Reports from Spain indicate that the goalkeeper was visibly distressed following the tragedy, with his FC Andorra teammates offering him support as he struggled to deal with the situation.
Spanish Police Launch Investigation Into Jesús de Miguel’s Death.
The Spanish National Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jesús de Miguel.
The investigation is being handled by the Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with authorities seeking to establish the exact circumstances of the collision.
Investigators are expected to examine footage of the match, the referee’s report and relevant medical information to establish what happened during the incident.
The case has also entered the judicial system, as Spanish authorities are required to investigate deaths that occur under circumstances that are not classified as natural.
However, the opening of an investigation does not automatically mean that Owono will face criminal charges.
The chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, has indicated that criminal proceedings are unlikely because the collision occurred during an active football match.
According to reports, Spanish legal principles generally distinguish between dangerous incidents arising from the normal risks of sporting competition and deliberate acts of violence outside the accepted rules of the game.
The prosecutor has also indicated that the circumstances of the challenge, including whether there was an intention to cause harm, will be important in determining any potential legal responsibility.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and no final determination of criminal responsibility has been announced.
Jesús Owono Could Face an 8 to 12-Match Suspension.
While criminal proceedings are considered unlikely, Owono could still face serious disciplinary consequences from Spanish football authorities.
According to Spanish sports newspaper AS, the goalkeeper could receive a suspension of between eight and 12 matches under Article 102 of the Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code.
The provision addresses violent conduct during play that results in serious or damaging consequences for an opponent.
The disciplinary authorities will consider the referee’s report, video footage and the circumstances surrounding the challenge before determining the appropriate punishment.
The possible suspension would be a sporting sanction and would be separate from any decision arising from the police investigation.
The final disciplinary decision has yet to be announced.
Owono Faces Online Abuse After the Tragedy.
Following the incident, videos emerged showing Owono confronting supporters who were reportedly chanting “murderer” at him as he left the pitch.
The footage sparked further discussions across social media, with football fans expressing different views about the challenge and the tragic outcome.
The goalkeeper has reportedly deactivated his Instagram account following widespread criticism, insults and online abuse.
Reports also indicate that Owono intends to contact the family of the late Jesús de Miguel privately to express his condolences.
The incident has also raised concerns about the treatment of athletes on social media, particularly when tragic sporting incidents generate strong public emotions.
While supporters have the right to question dangerous challenges and demand accountability, the use of threats, harassment and personal attacks against players raises serious concerns.
FC Andorra and the Football Community Mourn Jesús de Miguel.
The death of Jesús de Miguel has left both FC Andorra and CD Tenerife devastated.
The tragedy has attracted messages of sympathy from across the football community, with clubs and football organisations paying tribute to the late striker.
De Miguel joined CD Tenerife in 2025 and had become part of the club’s attacking setup.
His death at the age of 30 has left teammates, supporters and loved ones mourning a life lost following an incident that unfolded in just a few moments on the football pitch.
The incident has also renewed discussions about player safety, the dangers of high-speed challenges and the unpredictable nature of physical contact in professional football.
As investigations continue, attention remains on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the collision while allowing the family of the deceased player the space to mourn.
For Jesús Owono, the coming days could bring further scrutiny as both the judicial and sporting processes examine the incident.
A tragic loss for Spanish football. A heartbreaking moment for the beautiful game.
May Jesús de Miguel rest in peace.
